The University of South Africa has the following opportunity available for a student wanting to undertake a MSc.
This is a MSc (Nature Conservation) for a person who would like to undertake the challenge of conducting some intensive fieldwork on baboons. The project aims to understand the impact of resource availability and utilization on the home-range and other ecological factors on baboon behavioural ecology.
Background: This project forms part of a larger research program that is investigating the implications of baboon behavioural ecology on the management of baboons in protected areas that are surrounded by agriculture. This project is going to take up the challenge and quantify the perceived impact that baboons have on their environment and surrounding farms. The first stage of the project will take place on a Nature reserve within Gauteng and possibly be extended to other sites.
Research group: The MSc candidate will be registered as a student with UNISA (University of South Africa) and work within the Department of Environmental Sciences research unit ABEERU (Applied Behaviourial Ecology and Ecosystem Research Unit). The unit is situated on UNISA’s Florida campus in Gauteng, South Africa. The project will be supervised by Dr. Slater and Prof Brown.
Requirements: Candidates must have BTech in Nature Conservation or a BSc degree, with Zoology and Botany or related subjects. Candidates must also provide evidence that he/she has the ability to conduct scientific research. Some background in primatology and vegetation surveys would be advantageous but is not essential. Some research background is essential and candidate may have to complete a module in Research methodology. The applicant must be fluent in English, computer literate, be able to work independently as well as in a team, and demonstrate good writing skills.
Criteria:
Must be willing to work long hours, often in adverse weather conditions
Be prepared to spend long, strenuous hours in the field
Have your own reliable transport
Be able to reside in or close to Johannesburg for the duration of the project.
Be prepared to do quite a lot of travelling between the study site and laboratory.
Supply own accommodation.
The position is for two years, with a possible extension.
To apply, please send
(1) A letter describing your education, qualifications, relevant experiences and your research interests (maximum of two pages),
(2) A CV,
(3) A list of publications (if applicable)
(4) Certified copies of your qualifications. In addition, applicants should arrange to have three letters of reference submitted by the closing date 31 December 2009.
(5) Copy of your ID and academic records.
More information and applications can be sent to Dr Kerry Slater (slatek@unisa.ac.za) before the 31st December 2009. Kerry Slater
Lecturer: Nature Conservation
Department of Environmental Sciences.
UNISA
Tel: +27 (0)11 471 2342
Fax: 0866428751